Comments on: Joy.

By: Judy Martin

Judy Martin — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 03:39:33 +0000

Hi Adam,
As a freelance journalist, I was inundated with work over the last three weeks, following the summer lull. It was difficult to interact on the blogs I follow, including yours. It’s so easy to fall back into old routines – like being sucked dry in a newsroom with no fresh air.

I was fortunate enough to log on to this post today and realized in an instant that I was doing work that was clearly not bringing me a heck of a lot of joy lately. So I want to thank you for this reminder. Cash might pay the bills, but devoid of joy it can be draining on a spiritual level.

I’m taking the week off to write what I want to write, record what I want to record – and be who I am this week at my deepest core.

Sometimes we just have to stop – not from fear but from wisdom. Thanks, Judy

By: Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk

Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:33:09 +0000

Adam,
The way I see it, we lose that connection to creativity and joy because of social pressure/criticism, and it’s up to us as adults to protect and nurture that part of ourselves. Goodness knows, I’ve been thought of as stupid many a time because I haven’t been serious enough. Fortunately, it’s pretty clear to me which is the “stupid” attitude.

I was depressed for a while in my late childhood, and I was very serious in my early teens. My conversion came when I was 17 and made a commitment to lighten up, understand what made people happy, and increase the “net supply of happiness” in the world by starting with myself. If that isn’t a fun and worthwhile life mission, I don’t know what is.

Now there’s no problem. I’m old enough to say I’m enjoying my second childhood, and it’s a lot more fun than my first one.

By: Adam Kayce

Adam Kayce — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:21:40 +0000

Eddie, good to see you. And it’s true, in too many cases… many people get more ’sober’ as they grow up, and lose that ability to be, well, goofy.

Jean, true; similar wavelength, I suppose.

Jennifer, kids are awesome reminders for this, aren’t they? I embarrass my wife all the time, but my kids love that I goof around and play crazy with them.

Good luck at your 20th reunion (I’m considering going to mine, too, but I’ve got another year and a half to decide…)!

By: Jennifer Mannion

Jennifer Mannion — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 01:35:39 +0000

Very important to remember. Watching my kids play is a GREAT reminder of this and I am proud to say I am pursuing my joys. Having a “dance party” in the living room is a sure way to release any negativity I have felt in the day and cause me and my children to scream in laughter and fun. I’m going to my 20 year HS Reunion in 2 days and don’t feel a day older! Whoo Hoo! Thanks for the post — I lived for several years in pain and not able to feel joy and now am making up for lost time! You reminded me of JUST how grateful I should be for living my joys! Jenny

By: Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk

Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:13:00 +0000

I couldn't agree more. This was similar to my last post, If You Can't Pronounce It, Say It Loud!

By: Eddie Corbano - LovesAGame

Eddie Corbano - LovesAGame — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 20:45:57 +0000

This is very true.

As adults we have very often lost our connection to our inner child. Yet this connection is vital to our creativity and joy.

I very often try to remember what I loved as a child and revitalize that joy. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes not.

Thank you.